Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Phytochemical composition and pharmacological activities of centranthera grandiflora benth.: A brief review","authors":"Sina Cun,&nbsp;Xin Li,&nbsp;Zhenjuan Duan,&nbsp;Kezhen Qi,&nbsp;Xiaoyun Pu","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100727","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100727","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Centranthera grandiflora</em> Benth. (<em>C. grandiflora</em> Benth.) (大花胡麻草) is an important medicinal plant with edible varieties. It is widely used as a folk Chinese medicine in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, known for its effects in reducing swelling, dissipating stasis, promoting blood circulation, and alleviating pain. It is often used to treat injuries, high fever in children and irregular menstruation.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the review</h3><div>This paper reviews the research progress on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of <em>C. grandiflora</em> Benth. to provide a basis for further research and development of its medicinal value.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The relevant reports of chemical composition and pharmacological effects of <em>C. grandiflora</em> Benth. were collected from various academic databases and search engines, including Google Scholar, PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang and CQVIP.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study reviewed the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of <em>C. grandiflora</em> Benth. <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> studies indicate that <em>C. grandiflora</em> Benth. and its major bioactive constituents (iridoid glycosides) exhibit diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-myocardial ischemia, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective effects.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Therefore, to facilitate the exploration and utilization of <em>C. grandiflora</em> Benth. resources, comprehensive investigations into the chemical composition and pharmacological properties of its remaining constituents are essential. This includes elucidating structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of action for its diverse constituents, thereby facilitating clinical applications and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100727"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145693357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anti-inflammatory effects of orally and topically administered nanoformulations of Malva parviflora root extracts, and Prunus persica and Cupressus sempervirens exudates","authors":"Poloko Stephen Kheoane ,&nbsp;Kingsley Chimaeze Mbara ,&nbsp;Mosoatsi Lawrence Mputi ,&nbsp;Ts’epo Arnold Lenkoe ,&nbsp;Sebusiswe Magama ,&nbsp;Mokonyana Mohale ,&nbsp;Clemence Tarirai","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100685","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100685","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Medicinal plants have been used traditionally as oral and topical herbs for treating inflammation and alleviating pain. Particularly in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices, many plants from the genera &lt;em&gt;Malva, Prunus&lt;/em&gt;, and &lt;em&gt;Cupressus&lt;/em&gt; are used to treat various inflammation-related diseases. This study investigated &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;in vivo&lt;/em&gt; anti-inflammatory activity of the root extracts of &lt;em&gt;Malva parviflora&lt;/em&gt;, the exudates of &lt;em&gt;Prunus persica, Cupressus sempervirens&lt;/em&gt; and their chitosan nanoparticles and chitosan nanogels.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;em&gt;In vitro&lt;/em&gt; anti-inflammatory activities of &lt;em&gt;M. parviflora&lt;/em&gt; root extracts, &lt;em&gt;P. persica&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;C. sempervirens&lt;/em&gt; exudates were investigated using the protein denaturation assay method. A 1% bovine albumin reaction mixture in phosphate buffer and 80% (v/v) methanol was incubated with plant extracts or exudates at 37 °C and 70 °C. Cross-linked chitosan nanoparticles loaded with plant extracts or exudates were prepared by the gelation method. The entrapment efficiency of the plants in the chitosan nanoformulation was estimated using the phenolic content of plant materials. The nanoparticles-based nanogel was formulated by suspending nanoparticles in a gel base. Inflammation was induced in Wistar rats (230 – 270 g) by subcutaneous injection of 0.1 mL of 1% (w/v) carrageenan in the plantar tissue of the right hind paw of the rats. The rats (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt; = 48) were randomly divided into two experimental groups (A and B) of 24 rats each for oral and topical administration of nanoformulations, respectively. Each group (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt; = 24) was subdivided into 6 test group (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt; = 4), where test groups 1, 2, and 3 were treated with 500 mg/kg/BW each of &lt;em&gt;M. parviflora, C. sempervirens&lt;/em&gt;, and &lt;em&gt;P. persica&lt;/em&gt; nanoparticle/nanogel, either orally or topically, respectively. Test groups 4, 5, and 6, respectively served as positive control, placebo nanoparticles (&lt;em&gt;i.e.&lt;/em&gt;, chitosan nanoparticles), and negative control, treated orally or topically with indomethacin (50 mg/kg/BW), chitosan nanoparticle/nanogel alone (500 mg/kg/BW/100 mg/kg/BW), and saline (3 mL).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;em&gt;P. persica&lt;/em&gt; exudate had the highest TPC of 70.42 ± 0.53 µg of GAE/mg compared to &lt;em&gt;M. parviflora&lt;/em&gt; root extract and &lt;em&gt;C. sempervirens&lt;/em&gt; exudate with the 30.93 ± 1.65 µg of GAE/mg and 9.99 ± 0.65 µg of GAE/mg, respectively. &lt;em&gt;M. parviflora&lt;/em&gt; root extracts had the highest &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; protein denaturation (92.40%) compared to leaves and stem extracts. &lt;em&gt;P. persica&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;C. sempervirens&lt;/em&gt; nanoparticles had the highest entrapment efficiencies (99.46% and 99.56%). &lt;em&gt;M. parviflora&lt;/em&gt; root extract nanoparticles showed the greatest inhibition of oedema (90%) with oral administration, outperforming &lt;em&gt;P. persica&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;C. sempervirens&lt;/em&gt; exudates nanoparticle","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100685"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145107940","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Targeting AMPK signaling: The therapeutic potential of berberine in diabetes and its complications","authors":"Kingsley Chimaeze Mbara ,&nbsp;Poloko Stephen Kheoane ,&nbsp;Clemence Tarirai","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100689","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100689","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Introduction&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Berberine (黄连素, huáng lián sù) is a time-honored remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is found in various medicinal herbs and used to treat diabetes mellitus (DM), infections, diarrhea, and dysentery. Berberine, the major active component of &lt;em&gt;Coptidis rhizome&lt;/em&gt; (黄连, huanglian), &lt;em&gt;Phellodendri cortex&lt;/em&gt; (黄柏, huangbai), and &lt;em&gt;Mahoniae caulis&lt;/em&gt; (亮叶十大功劳, Gong Lao Mu), exhibits several pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, cardioprotective, antineoplastic, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects. Antidiabetic effects of berberine are partly attributed to the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is a key mechanism and a potential treatment strategy for DM and its complications. This review discusses recent studies on the significant roles of berberine in activating AMPK for treating DM and its complications.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Method&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;We have comprehensively searched online databases like Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar for articles published in English between 2016 and 2025 using different permutations of these keywords: “Berberine”, “AMPK”, “Diabetes Mellitus”, “Diabetic nephropathy”, “Diabetic neuropathy”, “Diabetic retinopathy”, “Diabetic cardiomyopathy”, “Diabetic hepatic steatosis,” “Diabetic bone diseases”, “Diabetic atherosclerosis”, “Diabetic cognitive dysfunction”, “Diabetic lung injury” and “Other diabetic complications” to compile this narrative review. Out of 1750 initially retrieved articles, 183 were included based on their relevance to treating DM or its complications through the AMPK signaling pathway, pharmacokinetics, and translational potential. Non-English articles and studies not focused on AMPK activation by berberine and that did not address DM and its complications were excluded.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The literature review found that berberine consistently activates AMPK across various preclinical studies of DM. The activation of AMPK is frequently mediated by pathways involving LKB1 and CAMKKβ. Berberine's activation of AMPK positively impacts glucose uptake, insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. Evidence from animal models demonstrated its efficacy in ameliorating complications such as diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiomyopathy, hepatic steatosis, bone diseases, atherosclerosis, cognitive dysfunction, and lung injury. Clinical trials reported significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, and lipid levels, with minimal side effects, at standard doses.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Discussion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;AMPK activation by berberine plays a central role in cellular energy homeostasis, modulating key processes such as gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation, which contribute to its therapeutic efficacy in metabolic dysfunction and DM-related complications. However, challenges remain re","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100689"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145108034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phenolic content, antioxidant activities and antibacterial effects of Antidesma thwaitesianum Mull. Arg. extracts","authors":"Naruwat Pakdee,&nbsp;Ronnachai Poowanna","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100725","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100725","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Antidesma thwaitesianum</em> (Chinese name: 小斑五月茶, Pinyin: xiǎo yè wǔ yuè chá), taxonomically associated with its synonym <em>Antidesma puncticulatum</em> is a fruit rich in phenolic compounds known for their health benefits as well as their antibacterial and antioxidant activities. This study aimed to analyze the phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity of <em>A. thwaitesianum</em> extracts, as well as to investigate their inhibitory effects on the growth of <em>Eschrichia coli, Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus</em> spp. and <em>Proteus mirabilis</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The extracts were prepared by freshly squeezing the fruits and using 95 % ethanol as a solvent. The phenolic compound content was analyzed using the Folin - Ciocalteu method. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay, while antibacterial activity was evaluated using the disc diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed that <em>A. thwaitesianum</em> black fruit extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (116.48 ± 2.8 mg GAE/g), while the strongest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 79.27 ± 1.88 mg/mL) occurred in red fruit water extract. whereas the red fruit ethanolic extract showed the strongest antibacterial activity with MIC values ranging from 0.98 - 250 µg/mL against tested bacteria.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Ethanol extracts of <em>A. thwaitesianum</em> especially from black fruits, contained higher phenolic content, while red fruit water extracts showed the strongest antioxidant activity and red fruit ethanol extracts exhibited the most potent antibacterial effects. These results highlight the potential of <em>A. thwaitesianum</em> as a natural source of antioxidant and antibacterial agents for functional food and phytopharmaceutical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100725"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gambogic acid: A review of its pharmacological mechanisms against cancer","authors":"Y. Yan ,&nbsp;X. Liu ,&nbsp;Y. Sun,&nbsp;H. Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100692","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100692","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Gambogic acid (GA), a caged xanthone derived from the resin of Garcinia hanburyi (known as <em>Téng Huáng</em> in traditional Chinese medicine), has been historically utilized in TCM for its properties of “combating toxins, eroding sores, dispelling blood stasis, and resolving masses” in the treatment of abscesses, boils, and refractory skin diseases. In recent decades, GA has gained significant attention as a promising multi-target anticancer agent. This review aims to synthesize current preclinical evidence regarding GA’s antitumor mechanisms, its efficacy in combination therapies, and strategies to overcome its pharmacological limitations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic literature search was conducted across electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI to identify relevant preclinical studies investigating the anticancer mechanisms and delivery strategies of GA. Articles were selected based on their relevance to GA’s molecular targets, efficacy in mono- and combination therapy, and novel formulation approaches.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Preclinical studies demonstrate that GA exerts broad-spectrum antitumor effects through multiple mechanisms: induction of apoptosis via mitochondrial and death receptor pathways; cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 or G2/M phases; inhibition of angiogenesis via HIF-1α/VEGF/MMPs suppression; and reduction of metastasis through downregulation of MMPs. GA modulates key oncogenic pathways including NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and MAPKs. It overcomes drug resistance by targeting P-glycoprotein, Bcr-Abl, and SHH pathways. Notably, GA induces immunogenic pyroptosis via caspase-3/GSDME activation and reprograms tumor-associated macrophages by suppressing extracellular vesicle-mediated miR-21 transfer. Synergistic effects are observed when GA is combined with chemotherapy, targeted agents (<em>e.g.</em>, bortezomib, gefitinib), radiotherapy, or photothermal therapy. However, GA’s clinical application is limited by poor solubility and bioavailability. Nanocarrier systems—such as polymeric nanoparticles, protein-based carriers, biomimetic designs, and stimuli-responsive formulations—have significantly improved GA’s stability, tumor targeting, and therapeutic index.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>GA represents a multi-mechanistic anticancer agent derived from TCM with high translational potential. Despite compelling preclinical results, further well-designed clinical trials are essential to validate its efficacy and safety in humans. The integration of GA with modern drug delivery technologies, especially nanotechnology, provides a promising approach to overcoming its physicochemical limitations. Future research should focus on context-dependent pathway modulation, immune microenvironment interactions, and clinical translation of advanced GA formulations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100692"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145107937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unveiling the pharmacological promise of Tamarix chinensis Lour: An integrative review of phytochemical constituents, therapeutic potentials, and mechanistic pathways","authors":"Muhammad Tariq Saeed ,&nbsp;Jinghao Zhao ,&nbsp;Hassan Mohamed ,&nbsp;Tahira Naz ,&nbsp;Bushra Iqbal ,&nbsp;Asmaa S. Ramadan ,&nbsp;Hafiz Muhammad Saleem Akhtar ,&nbsp;Molalign Assefa ,&nbsp;Hina Khalid ,&nbsp;Yuanda Song ,&nbsp;Wenlong Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100722","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100722","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Tamarix chinensis</em> Lour (TCL) is a known arid plant belonging to the family <em>Tamaricaceae,</em> widely distributed near the Yellow River Delta, northeastern Shandong Province of China. The researchers have mainly focused on heat and salt alkaline resistance properties of TCL, but recently, it has gained significant attention for its wide range of pharmacological and therapeutically bioactive ingredients. The flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, volatiles, and other miscellaneous compounds are vital bioactive substances that demonstrate hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardio-protective, lung protection, anticancer, anti-complement, antidiabetic, neurological protection, and other bioactivities. This comprehensive review summarized the traditional medicinal uses, phytochemistry, therapeutic potential, and mechanistic insights, consolidating the current research on the medicinal potential of TCL<em>.</em></div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The information about TCL was collected from different reliable scholarly resources, like Chinese digital library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and PubMed. Molecular docking was used to predict the interaction between six major compounds (Ellagic acid, Gallic acid, Isorhamnetin, Kaempferol, Quercetin, and Tamarixetin) and four target proteins, <span><span>tumor necrosis factor</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> (TNF-α), <span><span>interleukin 6</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> (IL-6), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>These compounds demonstrated a significant binding affinity to TNF-alpha and ellagic acid showed bonding with IL-6 and showed the potential effects as antitumor and anti-inflammatory.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>There is a critical need to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms of therapeutic properties underlying TCL efficacy and to establish robust quality standards and regulatory frameworks that ensure safety comparable to that of Western pharmaceuticals. The current evidence on the pharmacological properties of this plant explores that this plant could be a hopeful contender for drug development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100722"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrating traditional chinese medicine and modern pharmacology: The role of Jiang Huang (curcumin) in cardiovascular health","authors":"Rufaida Wasim ,&nbsp;Sumaiya Azmi ,&nbsp;Asad Ahmad","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100706","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100706","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><strong>:</strong> Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, driven by mechanisms such as oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and lipid imbalance. Curcumin, the principal bioactive constituent of <em>Curcuma longa</em> (turmeric), has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to improve circulation and alleviate stasis. Modern pharmacological evidence suggests it may offer cardiovascular protection.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div><strong>:</strong> This review synthesises findings from preclinical models, clinical studies, and molecular investigations of curcumin in CVD, alongside traditional perspectives from TCM for integrative context.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><strong>:</strong> Experimental studies reveal that curcumin reduces oxidative stress, downregulates NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhances nitric oxide bioavailability, and inhibits vascular smooth muscle proliferation. In animal models, it decreases myocardial infarct size, attenuates hypertrophy, and improves ventricular function. Clinical trials report improvements in blood pressure, endothelial function, lipid regulation, and inflammatory biomarkers among individuals at cardiovascular risk. However, outcomes remain inconsistent due to variability in study design, small sample sizes, heterogeneous formulations, and limited duration of follow-up. TCM perspectives on promoting blood flow and reducing stasis align with curcumin’s observed effects on vascular remodeling and atherosclerosis.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div><strong>:</strong> Curcumin is a safe, pleiotropic compound with growing evidence for adjunctive use in CVD management. Its poor oral bioavailability remains a key limitation, highlighting the need for novel formulations. Well-designed, larger clinical trials are essential to establish efficacy and bridge traditional knowledge with modern cardiovascular therapeutics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100706"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145363237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Crithmum maritimum: Phytoconstituents composition, and potential anticancer activity in gastrointestinal cancer mechanisms and prospects","authors":"Sourav Pal ,&nbsp;Arghya Panda ,&nbsp;Biprojit Bhowmick ,&nbsp;Khokan Bera","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100714","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100714","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Crithmum maritimum</em>(sea fennel, Chinese: 海茴香 [hǎi huí xiāng]) is an edible halophyte traditionally valued in both Mediterranean diets and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is prescribed for “dissolving masses,” regulating qi, and resolving damp-heat/toxins—concepts aligned with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. Rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, essential oils, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, it shows potential against gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancers, a growing global health burden.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2010 and 2025, limited to English language studies, using keywords “Crithmum maritimum,” “sea fennel,” “gastrointestinal cancer,” “anticancer,” “polyphenols,” “essential oils,” and “bioactive compounds.” of 167 retrieved records, 138 met the inclusion criteria: original in vitro, in vivo, or clinical research evaluating <em>C. maritimum</em> or its constituents for anticancer activity in GIT malignancies. Exclusion criteria removed reviews without new data, unrelated species, and studies lacking mechanistic outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><em>C. maritimum</em> exhibits preclinical efficacy against GIT cancers via modulation of p53, NRF2, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, aligning with its traditional TCM uses. Studies identified chlorogenic acid (30–50 % of total polyphenol), gallic acid (15–20 % of terpene), limonene, sabinene, α-pinene, γ-terpinene, fatty acids, and vitamin C as key anticancer agents that promote apoptosis, inhibit angiogenesis, and attenuate oxidative and inflammatory signaling in GIT cancer models.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>C. maritimum</em> exhibits a broad phytochemical spectrum with multitargeted preclinical efficacy against GIT cancers, consistent with its historical TCM applications. Standardization, mechanistic validation, and clinical trials are required to advance its therapeutic integration.</div></div><div><h3>Significance Statement</h3><div>This review unites TCM tradition with modern biomedical evidence, highlighting <em>C. maritimum</em> as a promising natural agent for GIT cancer prevention and management, with mechanistic breadth well-suited to the multifactorial nature of these malignancies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100714"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Therapeutic modulation of unfolded protein response by biochemic tissue salts in alcohol- and acetaminophen-induced liver cirrhosis","authors":"Debabrata Dash,&nbsp;Raj Kumar Koiri","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100710","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100710","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a major global public health problem with chronic alcohol use responsible for a large proportion of alcohol-attributed fatalities. The combined exposure to acetaminophen raises the level of hepatotoxicity. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is one of the key cellular processes stimulated following liver injury but whose regulation under dual alcohol and acetaminophen treatment is ill defined. While Natrum sulphuricum (NS) and Natrum phosphoricum (NP) are Western biochemic homeopathic tissue salts, mineral salts and allied compounds have been traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the upkeep of liver and digestive functions. The present study was aimed at ascertaining hepatoprotective action of NS and NP through modulation of UPR signaling in chemically induced liver cirrhosis rat model.</div></div><div><h3>Methods: Wistar albino rats were divided at random into five groups</h3><div>control, alcohol control, liver cirrhosis, LC+NS, and LC+NP. Liver cirrhosis was induced by chronic oral treatment with alcohol and acetaminophen. NS and NP were given orally for four weeks following induction. Liver tissues were taken for molecular analysis, and expression of a few of the major UPR-related genes and proteins were quantified by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both acetaminophen and alcohol coexposures significantly dysregulated UPR markers, suggesting endoplasmic reticulum stress and altered proteostasis. NP and NS treatment restored levels of key UPR components, suggesting therapeutic protein-folding mechanism modulation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>NS and NP showed hepatoprotective action through UPR signaling modulation and reduction of protein-misfolding stress in chemically induced liver cirrhosis. These results are preliminary scientific basis to explore mineral-based compounds in new and traditional medicine settings, including their theoretical significance to TCM approaches to the prevention of liver disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100710"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145363238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mechanistic insights of Sargassum polycystum fatty oil compounds in cutaneous melanoma: in vitro, metabolomics guided-network pharmacology, molecular docking and dynamics approach","authors":"Anggit Listyacahyani Sunarwidhi ,&nbsp;Agung Endro Nugroho ,&nbsp;Sri Widyastuti ,&nbsp;Ekowati Chasanah ,&nbsp;Ari Hernawan ,&nbsp;Eka Sunarwidhi Prasedya","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100723","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100723","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Cutaneous melanoma remains a global health issue. While lipid-rich oils have long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for cancer therapy, brown macroalgae Sargassum also provide lipid derivative compounds with therapeutic potential, including in the modulation of skin diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms of fatty oil compounds from Sargassum species, such as <em>Sargassum polycystum</em>, in relation to cutaneous melanoma remain unexplored.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>UHPLC-HRMS-based untargeted metabolomics was performed to identify the compounds in <em>Sargassum polycystum</em> hexane oil extract (HOE). Identified compounds were then subjected to computational analysis, including network pharmacology analysis, followed by molecular docking (Autodock Vina), molecular dynamics (GROMACS), and GO/KEGG enrichment analysis (DAVID and KEGG mapper). Finally, in vitro anti-oxidant analysis using DPPH assay and B16-F10 melanoma cytotoxic analysis using Resazurin assay were also performed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Untargeted metabolomics identified 62 drug-like compounds predicted to interact with cutaneous melanoma-related targets. Computational analysis identified Dormatinone, a sterol with strong affinity for PTPN11, an essential oncogenic gene and immune regulator in cutaneous melanoma. Enrichment analysis revealed the role of <em>Sargassum polycystum</em> HOE compounds in oncogenic signaling and immune regulation, while in vitro assays confirmed the extract’s anti-oxidant (IC₅₀ = 0.847 ± 0.02mg/mL) and B16-F10 melanoma cytotoxic activity (IC₅₀ = 0.480 ± 0.0014mg/mL).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings indicate the potential <em>of Sargassum polycystum</em> HOE as a sterol-rich extract with anti-cutaneous melanoma activity, providing a basis for further drug development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100723"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145693359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}